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I have a 2018 GLE350 4matic which has the puddle lights under the mirrors, I also have courtesy lights mounted at the inside bottom of each door and the rear hatch the one on the rear hatch comes on when the hatch is opened the four door courtesy lights however do not light up, This really seems a oversight on MB part and something you may expect from cheaper vehicle. Is this normal?
I have a 2018 GLE350 4matic which has the puddle lights under the mirrors, I also have courtesy lights mounted at the inside bottom of each door and the rear hatch the one on the rear hatch comes on when the hatch is opened the four door courtesy lights however do not light up, This really seems a oversight on MB part and something you may expect from cheaper vehicle. Is this normal?
Just for clarification, the lights on the inside bottom of each door are the puddle lights. The lights under the mirrors are the courtesy lights, also sometimes called projector lights. The puddle lights should have a translucent lens on the bottom side and a red lens on the side facing the rear of the vehicle (when the door is open). Actually, it's just one lens with dual sides. This should illuminate, providing white light shinning down toward the ground and red light toward the rear. If your light lens is like what I described, then it should illuminate. If none of them light, there may be a wire disconnected somewhere.
Gnaigle, how are you activating the lights? With the button on the fob, or by using Keyless Go, and pressing the liftgate button to open the liftgate?
I just tried two scenarios on my 2017 W166.
1. Walk up to the vehicle, and press the rear liftgate button. The interior dome lights turn on, and the "courtesy" light on the liftgate turns on. Nothing more.
2. Press the unlock button on the fob. Mirrors unfold (if they are configured that way), and the following lights turn on:
- "welcome" projector light
- interior dome lights
- tail lights
- license plate lights
I didn't check if the headlamps turn on.
The lights have different behaviors when either the fob or Keyless Go are used. Which did you use?
OK, I think I have this figured out. Just checked my car. I knew the puddle lights worked. I just never pinpointed exactly when they come on. They're tied into the cabin lights. This would be the rocker switch, just rear of the sunroof button. This switch has three positions: "Off" (right button), "Automatic" (center position) and "On" (left button). I usually keep this turned "Off", since I don't drive at night much. I thought it was ridiculous to have all of these interior lights come on every time a door is opened, even in broad daylight, so I keep them off. I just now unlocked the car and opened the doors (in a dark garage). No puddle lights. While the doors were still open, I turned on the interior lights. Presto, the puddle lights came on. I actually learned something new.
Last edited by GLE43_Sube; Mar 24, 2019 at 10:23 PM.
Thanks , But my puddle lights work the lights I'm asking about are the red lens at the bottom of the door panel they are called "courtesy lamps" on the Mercedes parts diagrams, what I want to know are they supposed to light up are they just for looks?
Thanks , But my puddle lights work the lights I'm asking about are the red lens at the bottom of the door panel they are called "courtesy lamps" on the Mercedes parts diagrams, what I want to know are they supposed to light up are they just for looks?
Yes, they should light up. They might not be that noticeable during the daytime. The red lens shares the same light bulb as the white lens. If one works, both should work.
Thanks But my Puddle lights are under the folding mirrors and do light up when the doors are open the Red lights are mounted on the door panel at the bottom edge of each door and do not light up.
Thanks But my Puddle lights are under the folding mirrors and do light up when the doors are open the Red lights are mounted on the door panel at the bottom edge of each door and do not light up.
So, the lights on the door panel, at the bottom edge of each door have a red lens only? If so, that's different than mine. Mine has a two-sided lens. One side is white. The other is red.
Yes no clear lens only RED! Just does not seem right not to light up when the door opens always thought it was safety thing..
OK. Sounds like yours could be a reflector, instead of an actual light. You should be able to pop it off to confirm this. If it's definitely a light, some wiring is disconnected somewhere.
Did another observation. 2017 W166 GLE350W4 with P2 package and Keyless Go.
1. Locked vehicle, approach from the rear, press rear liftgate button.
- rear cargo and rear passenger (only) dome lights activate
- courtesy light, with white and red lens, activates, illuminating the rear bumper area
- no courtesy lights from side doors
- no projector (logo) lights
2. Locked vehicle, approach from the side, press unlock button once on the fob
- all dome lights activate, both front, rear passenger and rear cargo area
- projector (logo) lights activate
- no courtesy lights from side doors until the doors are opened. When the doors are opened, the courtesy lights activate, with a red and white lens, illuminating the ground near the open door.
Look at the bottom of your door, does it have a lamp with red and white lens? Can you post a photo?
Mine work and look just as GLE43_Sube described. I just checked. You might be missing a wire or since your's is a newer car than ours, it might be different but I doubt it.
Pisses me off that MB would skimp on something so basic.
I wonder if it is a small upgrade for the next step up cars?
I never knew these where lights. I’m going to try and find some special projector lenses now.
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Courtesy lights
